Systems of retraction of folding elements in pieces of furniture, especially in tables



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Aug. 27. 1968 P. J. M. o. SANCHEZ 3,398.704

SYSTEMS OF RETRACTION OF FOLDING ELEMENTS IN PIECES OF FURNITURE, ESPECIALLY IN TABLES 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 26. 1966 pAscf/AL J /VscozSmvcHEz BY w/ ATTORNEY Aug. 27, 1968 P. J. M. o. SANCHEZ 3,398,704

SYSTEMS OF RETRACTION OF FOLDING ELEMENTS IN PIECES OF' FURNITURE, ESPECIALLY IN TABLES 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Oct. 25, 1966 INVENTOR /QJca/AL JM. @scozS/mc vez BYZ/l/g/ RNEY F. J. M, O. SANCHEZ Aug. 27, 1968 3,398,704 SYSTEMS 0F RETRACTION 0F FOLDING ELEMENTS IN PIECES 0F FURNITURE, ESPECIALLY IN TABLES Filed Oct. 26, 1966 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 INV ENT OR ,Qasc UAL J M. scoz Sanc/fz TTORNEY Aug 27, 1968 P. J. M. o. SANCHEZ 3,398,704

sYsTEMs oF EETEACTION oF FOLDING ELEMENTS IN PIECES oF FURNITURE, ESPECIALLY IN TABLES Filed Oct. 26, 1966 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 26 ggf ing, /2

INV ENT OR fpnscum. J M. OscozSAA/cf/Ez i BY ORNEY Aug. 27, 1968 P. .1. M. o. SANCHEZ 3,398,704

SYSTEMS OF RETRACTION OF FOLDING ELEMENTS IN PIECES OF FURNITURE, ESPECIALLY IN TABLES Filed 001,. 26, 1966 8 Sheets-s119812 6 INV ENT OR Plscdm. JM. scoz .Sanc/faz TTORNEY Aug. 27, 1968 'P. J. M. o. SANCHEZ 3,398,704

SYSTEMS OF RETRACTION OF FOLDING ELEMENTS IN PIECES OF FURNITURE, ESYECIALLY IN TABLES Filed Oct. 26, 1966 8 Sheets-Shea?I 7 INV ENT OR Rasa/AL JM. scozS/wcffez ug 27. 1968 P. J. M. o. sANcHr-:z 3,393,704

SYSTEMS oF RETRACTION oF FOLDING ELEMENTS 1N PIECES oF FURNITURE, ESYECIALLY 1N TABLES Filed Oct. 26, 1966 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 INVENTOR /ASCUAL J M. ScozSANcafz BY 5 ATTORNEY United Smtes ate 4 Claims. (ci. 10s- 79) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A concealed guide and cable arrangement for a folding top table for retracting the supporting leg structure for the foldable top portion. The operating mechanism is located in a guide fastened to the -under surface of the folding top along one side edge thereof so as to be concealed but easily accessible.

Brief summary of the invention The invention relates to folding top tables having supporting leg assemblies associated therewith and movable pivotally between extended and retracted positions. The folding top portion is provided on its under side and closely adjacent to one side edge with a guide track receiving an operating member having a depending handle and a iiexible cable extends from this operating member through one end of the guide to pass beneath the fixed table top and generally parallel to the hinge connection in trained relationship with respect to guide mechanism and projects substantially centrally of the table to extend and to connect with the retractable support leg structure. In this way the operating member and the operating mechanism are concealed but the operating member and more particularly the handle is exposed for use in a convenient position to allow manipulation of the operating member to retract the supporting leg structure and allow the folding top to be placed in stored position.

In the said drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of a table with a collapsible table-top, shown in the unfolded position, it being assumed that the table-top is transparent so that there may be better appreciated the system of retraction in accordance with one manner of realization of the invention.

FIGURE 2 shows a table represented in a form similar to that of FIGURE 1, in accordance with another variant of the realization of the invention.

FIGURE 3 shows in perspective the principal part of the transmission system applied to the forms of realization of the invention, in accordance with FIGURES 1 and 2.

FIGURE 4 shows in perspective a table of the type represented in FIGURES 1 and 2, in the unfolded position.

FIGURE 5 and 6 show in perspective two applications of the invention to a table equipped with a collapsible support framework.

FIGURES 7 and 8 show, as in the case of FIGURES 1 and 2, two variants of application of the invention to a table equipped with two collapsible support frameworks.

FIGURE 9 shows in perspective the principal part of the system of transmission of movement applied to the variants represented in FIGURES 7 and 8.

FIGURE 10 shows in perspective another variant of the system of transmission.

FIGURES 11 and 12 show, in a manner similar to that of FIGURES 1 and 2, respective variants of application of the system to a folding table equipped with a support framework of the type formed by three elements articulated with respect to one another.

FIGURES 13 and 14 show in a manner similar to FIG- URES 1 and 2 respectively variants of the application of the system to a folding table equipped with a support framework formed by five articulated elements, the folding framework being shown in its unfolded position by means of a continuous line.

FIGURES 13a and 14a correspond to a representation similar to that of FIGURES 13 and 14 showing, in the form of a continuous line, the framework in a semifolded position, and, in a broken line, the same framework completely folded.

FIGURE 15 shows in perspective a transmission of movement suitable for the operation of the two leaves of a double table.

FIGURE 16 shows in perspective a detail of a variant of the operation of the system by means of the application of a drum.

As is shown in FIGURES '1, 3, and 4, in a case of especially simple application of the invention, the collapsible table consists of a table-top 2 articulated by one of its edges to the fixed table-top 1, which latter element forms part of a support framework composed of two fixed legs. To one of these legs the movable support framework 3 is articulated by means of the hinges 13 which have the feature of incorporating an elastic element in the form of a spring which forces the movable framework 3 to move towards the unfolded position 3" in which the table is perfectly supported on three legs, two of which are fixed and the third is the movable leg of the framework 3.

Assuming that the invention is not applied to this type of table, the opening is effected automatically on lifting the table-to p; this does not occur on folding the table, for which purpose it is necessary to raise the table-top and push the framework 3 to its folded position, shown by a continuous line in FIGURE 1.

The system of retraction in accordance with the invention consists in this case of application of a sliding element 10 formed by two guides between which there moves in a longitudinal direction the control 9. This control has Kfixed to it the end of a ribbon, cord, cable or chain, in general terms of a flexible and inelastic element 4, which guided by the pulleys 12, 8 and 7, fitted on the tubular support 11, passes through the pulley 6 fitted on the upper part of the movable framework and finally has its end fixed to the catch 5 fixed to the part 1.

Consequently, assuming that the table is in a folded position, on raising the table-top 1 the fixed lframework successively occupies the positions 3' until it reaches the limiting position 3, which does it automatically because of the impulse due to the force accumlated by the elastic means incorporated in the hinges 13. During this move- `rnent the sliding element moves until it is situated near the joint.

To fold the table it suices to lift the table-top and lmove the sliding element 9 manually to its limiting position, the table-top being finally collapsed.

In the variant of application shown in FIGURE 2, the end of the flexible transmission 4 is fixed at 18 to the movable framework 3, the use of the pulley 6 thus being avoided.

In this variant of sliding element has a shorter distance to travel, and it is thus necessary to use lgreater force to move it.

The same system of transmission, represented in detail in FIGURE 3, can be applied with a slight variation on adding a pulley with its axis of rotation situated in a Ihorizontal position for the operation of the collapsible support frameworks as is represented in FIGURES 5 and 6.

In the case of FIGURE 5, the support framework 14 is articulated to the collapsible table-top itself. The sliding element is also fixed to the said table-top, while the tubular covering of the means of transmission 16 is fixed to the fixed part of the table. The end of the cable is fixed to the lower part of the framework 14 so that, on the table being unfolded, the support framework is automatically situated in its vertical position, and on the sliding element 9 being pulled the said framework is raised in order to be folded. In FIGURE 6 there is included the guide element 15, equipped with two pulleys which enable the traction to be effected more efiiciently.

In the variant of realization shown in FIGURES 7 and 8, the table is constituted, lwith regard to the collapsible table-top and fixed support framework, in a form similar to that represented in FIGURES 1 and 2, but the movable or folding framework is a double one, since the table has four legs, there thus existing two movable frameworks 3a and 3b articulated to the fixed framework by means of the hinges 13a and 13b, both of which are also equipped with elastic means of expansion.

In the case of FIGURE 7, the system of operation and transmission for the movement of retraction of both frameworks is constituted by two parallel sliding elements 9a and 9b which slide between the two guides 10a and 10b, the ends of the respective ribbons, cables, chains or cords 4a and 4b being fixed to the corresponding sliding elements 9a and 9b which pass through the pulleys 8a and 8b of the tubular support 17 so that after being guided by a set of two pulleys on a common shaft they pass through the respective pulleys 6a and 6b fitted on the respective frameworks 3a and 3b, the ends of the said flexible and inelastic means being finally fixed to the fixed framework in opposite positions, there thus resulting a double arrangement of that shown in FIGURE 1.

The closing or folding of the table is effected in a manner similar to that described in FIGURE l, operating one and the other of the sliding elements.

In the realization shown in FIGURE 8, the double of FIGURE 2, the sliding element has to travel a shorter distance, as is the case in FIGUtRE 2, and so needs more force to be operated because of the end of the exible means of transmission being fixed at the points 18a and 18b respectively of the frameworks 3a and 3b.

FIGURE 9 shows clearly the arrangement of the system of operation and transmission of two sliding elements.

As is shown in FIGURE 10, the operation of the two parts may be made simultaneous by means of a single sliding element to which both means of transmission are fixed, the system in all other respects bein-g similar to that shown in FIGURE 9.

FIGURES 11 and 12 show a case of application of the invention to a table constituted by a support framework of three legs formed by three articulated sections, one of which, 27, corresponds to a lateral element, while the other lateral element is formed by the two articulated parts 23 and 2S, the first-named element collapsing on the said two parts which constitute the second frame support. The table includes, as in previous realizations, a fixed part and the collapsible table-top 19.

The hinges or joints 21, 22, 24 and 26 are equipped, totally or in part, with the corresponding elastic means which produce the force necessary for the automatic unfolding.

In the realization shown in FIGURES 11 and 12 the element transmitting force -for the folding of the support frame is fixed at 5 to the fixed structure of the table, not represented, and passes through the pulley 6 and two pulleys fixed to the said fixed structure of the table, ending in a sliding element of the type previously shown.

The unfolding is effected in the manner indicated by broken lines in FIGURE 11, that is to say that there is no substantial variation with respect to the previous figures except in connection with the different structure of the support frame.

In FIGURE 12 there is shown, as a variant of the previous figure, an arrangement of the force transmitting elements similar to that represented in FIGURE 2, that is to say that the flexible means of transmission of force is fixed at 18 to the intermediate section of the structure so that on the sliding element being pulled the whole complex folds. As in FIGURE 2, the distance travelled by the sliding element is less than in FIGURE l1.

In FIGURES 13 and 14 another type of folding support structure for the table'is shown, which is also articulated to the fixed part of the said table.

In this latter case the support structure includes two lateral elements formed by the two articulated members 28a and 29a, and 28b and 291;, of which 29a and 29b are articulated to the common member 30, while the members 28a and 28b are articulated to the fixed part of the table. All the articulations referred to are of the normal type, that is to say without the incorporation of elastic means.

To produce automatic unfolding, the said folding support frame presents the complex formed by the two arms 32a and 32h, articulated with respect to one another by means of the hinge 34 which has incorporated in it the spring for the storage of the force intended for the automatic opening when the said arms, forming a V, collapse, the one on the other, on their respective ends being articulated on the fixed part of the table and on the member 30.

In FIGURES 13 and 13A, the tractor element necessary for the folding of the support structure is formed by the bands or cords 35a and 35b which pass through the corresponding pulleys 31a and 31b situated near the artioulations between the members 28a-28h and 29e-29h, the ends being fixed at the points 36a and- 36b of the part 30 in the most appropriate places so that the transmission of force may be effected in the best possible manner.

The said tractor element 35a and 35h pass through pulleys situated on the fixed part, and end in a common sliding element so that the whole of the operation is effected simultaneously, since the folding movements are totally symmetrical, as is shown by the broken line, by means of a transmission of the type shown in FIG- URE 10.

Insofar as FIGURES 14 and 14A are concerned, the variation consists of the fact that, as in previous examples, the end of the transmission element is fixed to the folding structure, in this case near the point of articulation between the members 28a-29a, or 28b-29b, the travel of the common sliding element being less than that necessary for FIGURE 13, but consequently needing a greater force.

FIGURE 15 shows the arrangement of the elements of transmission and operation for their application to a table with two folding table-tops. In this case the only innovation consists in the doubling of the transmission system.

FIGURE 16 shows in detail a variant of the organ of operation, which in this case is a simple drum on which the transmission element is rolled. The said drum 37 has elastic means incorporated in it, for example a spiral spring, in order to obtain a determined tension in the means of transmission.

It is evident that further variants of the present invention are possible, both as regards the arrangement of the organs of guidance and transmission and the means of control or operation, but in all cases the invention presents a control element which moves in a linear or a rotatory direction, by means of which element a flexible and inelastic transmission element is brought into play and which acts on the most suitable places to effect the folding of the folding support framework of the table with a minimum of effort.

Likewise variations are possible with respect to material, form and arrangement, provided that such alterations do not suppose any substantial variation in the invention.

5 6 What I claim is: under surface of said fixed top parallel to said end edge 1. A table construction comprising, in combination, thereof, and pulleys located within said tubular support. a fixed top having supporti-ng legs and an end edge, 3. The table construction according to claim 2 wherein a movable top having an end edge hingedly secured to said support leg means is of L-sha-ped configuration.

said end edge of the fixed top for movement between 5 4. The table construction according to claim 2` wherein a downwardly folded position and a generally horisaid support leg means includes a vertical leg structure, zontal position, pairs of arms connected respectively to the fixed top and support leg means for said movable top pivotally consaid leg structure and pivotally interconnectedto each nected to said table for movement between a stored other for collapsing and extending said leg struct-ure, and position allowing said movable top to hang freely in I0 brace means comprising a pair of elements hingedly conits stored position and an operative position supportnected respectively to each other and. to the fixed top and ing said movable top in the stated horizontal posisaid leg structure. tion effecting an extension of said fixed top, said movable top also having a side edge, References Cted an elongate guide member fixed to the under surface of 15 UNITED STATES PATENTS said movable top adjacent and parallel to said side edge thereof r1,262,272 4/1918 Sellner 105; 79 a control memiber slidably engaged in said guide memlg Illltton u-d g-*Zg ber and having a depending handgrip portion, 2 121 98 6/1 38 Da im e 10S-79 an elongate flexible member connected at one end t0 20 1 13 9 U es Said Control member, 2,799,547 7/1957 LfSeIl 10S-79 guide means fixed to the under surface of said fixed top 21890989 6/1959 OSCOZ SanChGZ 108-79 adjacent Said end edge thereof 3,029,114 4/1962 OSCOZ SaIlChSZ 108-79 said exible member extending from said guide mern- FOREIGN PATENTS ber to train over said guide means and' extend par 25 allel to said end edge of the fixed top and projecting 41667 1884 Great Brltafm generally centrally therefrom into connection with 724,641 2/1955 Great Britain said support leg means. 2. The table construction according to claim 1 wherein FRANCIS K- ZUGEL, Primary Examl'le said guide means comprises a tubular support fixed to the 30 

